[finescalejunkie]

Does anyone have any ideas on opening up a Hobby shop? There is one train and one shop for RC airplanes. But no cars, diecast airplanes, or even model airplanes to any degree. Most of my friends and I have been aggravated for many years about these two people not being there for us. So I was thinking about opening up a shop. Just thought that I would get some feedback from you guys on here, your thoughts on the matter and all that. I want to do it, just need some encouragement and some advice. All of which is helpful.
If you have any advice from personal experience and all, feel free to IM me here or just leave it in a post.
Thanks guys.

[fileasfog]

Are you in Canada?

[kingpin]

Do not quit your day job! That has helped us survive 13 years.

Glen

[trex0770]

You're a brave man! I'd never be able to open a diecast shop b/c I'd end up keeping all the product and would owe way, way more than I'd ever make. Besides my wife would see right through me and know it was just an excuse to get more planes....okay she'd friggin' kill me dead. It'd go something like this, "honey, guess what.....I just opened a hobby sho...click, kapow, kapow, kapow, kapow, kapow, kapow, click, click............"

Anyway, if you do make sure it's online too!

[Raven]

We have a hobby store in St. Charles, MO that seems to do quite well - always has customers, packed on weekends and before holidays. Here are some take aways that I think helps to make them successful:

1) No serious competitors in the area (always good)
2) Store is split into distinct areas, with specialties and specialist in each subject who are true enthusiasts (train, RC (plane, car boat), plastic models, figures, diescast, books and mags)
3) Not too much of one thing (not over the top in one area and weak on others) but the right amount of each (good selection of kits, models and brands)
4) Some hobby shop charm - model trains running, planes hanging form the ceiling, old soda machine
5) Some cool modern features - RC plane flight simulators, instructional videos running, up to date website
6) Marketing - customers are registered and sent mailers, contests, and sales event notices
7) Friendly and willing to help out (important) - will work with you to find or special order anything they do not stock
8) Some unexpected items like selling small toys and novelties so dad's can treat the kids - also some beginner, lower cost starter items to hook the kids
9) Thomas the Tank area with play table - was GREAT when my boys were little, not so much now...

They are not perfect (prices are a little high) but with a friendly atmosphere and being far better than anything else in the market, my bet is that they do quite well.

Hope you can lift a nugget or two from a satisfied customer...

I have actually thought of opening one up myself someday but I cannot imagine the expense of all that inventory - $200K+ to be sure!

[smartd]

Originally Posted by finescalejunkie

Does anyone have any ideas on opening up a Hobby shop? There is one train and one shop for RC airplanes. But no cars, diecast airplanes, or even model airplanes to any degree. Most of my friends and I have been aggravated for many years about these two people not being there for us. So I was thinking about opening up a shop. Just thought that I would get some feedback from you guys on here, your thoughts on the matter and all that. I want to do it, just need some encouragement and some advice. All of which is helpful.
If you have any advice from personal experience and all, feel free to IM me here or just leave it in a post.
Thanks guys.

We talking a bricks and mortar store or online?

Check out Modeller's Choice. He caters to everyone and does it very successfully.

[finescalejunkie]

This would be a Brick and Mortor store front with a online store as well. Im in Southwest Missouri for those who want to know.

[Raven]

If you got some time, I'd recommend taking a look at the following:

Mark Twain Hobby in St. Charles, MO (Hobby Store)

Troy's Toys in Merriam, KS (Die cast heaven! Corgi, Dragon, FM - Planes, Tanks, Fire and Farm Equipment) - Great store, bad location...IMHO

Might give you some ideas...

Both stores also have websites.

[Epapazian]

My first impression is that a diecast-only brick and mortar shop won't yield a profit. The potential customer base is too small. Many of these stores are falling by the wayside, even though they sell everything---kits, cars, books, trains, airliners, paint, etc. The online guys have taken away their business. The only hope is for an online store with something the others don't offer---like custom work, special editions, special decal sheets, special parts ( such as seated pilot/crew figures) and, of course an effective promotional effort. What do we mean by the latter? What about sponsoring diecast shows or "meets", then creating a video of the procedings( and models)and offering it as a sales inducement? Or what about a timely newsletter that actually says something interesting, aside from the crassly promotional stuff? Sure, a storefront might be nice---you might hold meetings there for a regional diecast club--and probably make some sales. But I see this as an adjunct, not the main playing field. Just my humble opinion.

[Raven]

I think hobby stores are one of the few remaining places men can go and enjoy their interests, bond with their sons, spend a little time reliving their childhood, and just plain have fun without having to worry about their wives or some oppressed group wanting to barge in. After one visit, my wife has decided that she is perfectly content to sit in the car and read some magazine while my sons and I enjoy our hobby store (or stay home altogether). There is a definite place for a real hobby store in every town - like a barber shop, a good bar, and a great burger joint. It's also the only other place (besides this blessed site) where I can share my "odd" (per my wife) little hobby.

I say if you have a passion to open a shop, can make it special and have the courage to do it - more power to you!